Leadership Team

David Dowling completed his Bachelor of Science (Sports Science) in 2000 at St. Mary’s University London and went on to qualify as a teacher in 2001 upon completion of his PGCE at Goldsmiths, University of London. 

David joined STEP in 2021 and was the headteacher at Peacehaven Heights Academy between September 2022 and July 2026. He played an important role in the journey of the academy, including supporting the school before and after joining STEP Academy Trust. During his time at Peacehaven Heights, he has shown genuine care and commitment to the children, staff and wider community, something Ofsted highlighted in their inspection in 2022. For the last two years, KS2 outcomes at Peacehaven Heights have been considerably above national averages. 

David has a wide range of teaching experience and school improvement across inner-city London schools where good and outstanding outcomes have been achieved. In addition to this, David has a wealth of experience teaching overseas. Working within indigenous communities in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji have enriched David’s perspective and educational philosophy. He believes that in addition to good explicit teaching, Sport and PE are also key to a child’s emotional well-being and educational outcomes. David is a UEFA B qualified football coach and is keen to be coaching & supporting both the girls’ and boys’ teams at David Livingstone Academy.